From Colin Moran plodding around left field due to an injury-related roster crisis, to shortstops committing errors by the handful, to botched rundowns and passed balls, the Pirates' defensive shortcomings have been on full display so far in 2019. They rank 22nd in the majors in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), a metric that compares a fielder's performance to that of an average player at his position based on factors like range, sure-handedness, turning double plays (for infielders) and arm accuracy. They have been -3 runs worse than average during this young season, continuing a troubling trend that has played a major role in the team missing the playoffs over the past several years.
For Buctober to return, the Pirates have to turn it around defensively.
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